Opinion

Opinion: The major influx of new recruits into policing is a perfect opportunity to improve BAME representation in the police service, but Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands Police Waheed Saleem argues it will require a fundamental overhaul of the service's approach to recruitment.

Opinion: Several UK forces have begun to adopt mobile biometric fingerprinting ID devices. In the United States, FBI field officers already carry these devices as a standard part of their kit. Eleanor Benson of Integrated Biometrics (IB) explains the benefits of the technology to policing and the public.

Opinion: Deloitte Public Safety and Justice Lead for the Middle East Andrew Morley argues that the emergency services have an important role to play in working with other agencies in delivering public safety.

OPINION: What a difference a year makes! Policing Insight Publisher Bernard Rix reflects on the year in which UK policing started to feel loved again by its political masters and looks forward to a more confident 2020.

OPINION: First introduced in 1937, 999 is the world’s oldest emergency telephone service. It has undoubtedly saved many thousands of lives, but in an age where there are other forms of instant communication Carbyne's UK Vice President for Business Development Tim Ellis argues it's time for a step change in 999 capability.

Opinion: Whilst British policing has given much to the world, former chief police officer Paul Kennedy argues that it is now time for the UK to adopt 'Next Generation 999' that is already improving officer safety, as well as efficiency and effectiveness, in forces across the globe.

Obituary: The funeral of Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for Durham Ron Hogg will be held this week (7 January). Ron was an outstanding public servant who made a huge contribution to policing, firstly as a police officer and, latterly, as Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for Durham. His former colleague Ben Twomey shares the valuable lessons he learnt from working with Ron and the legacy he leaves behind.

Opinion: From ending duplication to improving wellbeing, Simon Hall, CEO of Coeus Software, offers ten ways in which forces can make better use of mobile technology in 2020.

Opinion: The hacking of the MPS's social media account by two teenagers has been widely reported in the UK. Policing Insight contributor Andrew Staniforth examines this growing threat and the latest innovations collaboratively developed to combat cyber crime.

Opinion: Bedfordshire Police Stop and Search Panel has been highlighted as one of the most effective in the country. Panel Chair Montell Neufville explains the importance of being open and transparent with both local communities and police officers.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: Our Publisher, Bernard Rix, reflects on Policing Insight's last twelve months, sets out our Christmas and New Year schedule, and takes a look on what we're planning for 2020...

Top Articles 2019: Policing Insight Editor Tina Orr-Munro leads the team in selecting their favourite articles published in 2019. The editorial team have each selected their 'Top Ten' picks and we have made them freely available for the Christmas period to all users with at least a free registered account. We hope you enjoy our selections!

Opinion: As 2019 draws to a close and a new Government is installed in the UK, Mightify's Tom Wheelhouse publishes his own personal 'manifesto' for the emergency services where he calls for a common sense, people-based positive approach in 2020.

Opinion: In Britain, three quarters of those who die by suicide are male. Prior to taking their own lives, men's behaviour can be markedly different to that of women. As the police service is predominantly male, freelance mental health consultant Toni says it's time the service acknowledges this and develops suicide prevention initiatives specifically for men.

OPINION: Over the past few decades, in pursuit of accountability, policing has become increasingly codified and legislated. Serving officer Martin Gallagher argues that this has not just damaged police discretion, but the capacity of the police to fulfil their core functions: preventing and solving crime.

Opinion: When a police officer is killed in the line of duty, it sends shock waves throughout the police service and the wider community, but how can we ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten? Australian-based Police Mental Health Champion Melissa Gole explores the different ways Australia honours its fallen officers.

Interview: In 2015, Humberside Police became the first force to be awarded an 'inadequate' in the HMICFRS PEEL Assessments and morale was at its lowest ebb. Since then the force has turned itself around. Policing Insight's editor Tina Orr-Munro interviews Humberside PCC Keith Hunter to find out how the force's morale went from the lowest to the highest in the country.

Opinion: The addition of 20,000 new police officers will coincide with the new degree entry qualification requirements, including degree apprenticeships. Former head of Innovation for Kent and Essex police and now senior consultant at Enlighten Training Martin Wilson considers the potential challenges this presents.

Opinion: Last month, Sir George Hamilton, recently retired Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, delivered a keynote address at the annual Police Foundation conference. Published here in full, Sir George explores what the Peelian principle - 'the police are the public and public are the police' - means for 21st century policing.

Opinion: The terror attack on London Bridge has revealed critical aspects of the UK's Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST) are not working. Policing Insight Contributor Andrew Staniforth says the 'Pursue' element of CONTEST should be independently reviewed alongside all current terrorism legislation.

Opinion: With the annual Police ICT Summit approaching in the New Year, Ian Bell, CEO of the Police ICT Company reflects on the progress that has been made since last year's conference and what delegates can look forward to at this year's event.

Opinion: Cybercrime is notoriously difficult to prevent and police. James Slessor, Managing Director of Accenture Public Safety, considers the complexities of digital policing across borders and the effectiveness of the current policing model in combating this.

Insight: The Dubai Police Youth Council was set up in 2017 to enable young people to have a greater say in policies that impacted them as part of a wider UAE initiative. Dubai Police Consultant Jorge J. Román Ph.D explains how the Council works and the impact it has had.

INTERVIEW: In an exclusive interview with Policing Insight, NPCC International Policing Lead and Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police Andy Marsh QPM highlights the crucial role of the Joint International Policing Hub in preventing crime reaching the UK and his ambitions for its future.